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Response
There is no mention of “first communion” in the Scriptures. First Communion is a practice in Roman Catholicism used to instruct children in their beliefs, forming one of their seven sacraments. According to Roman Catholic doctrine, a sacrament is a ritual performed to receive God’s grace or favor. In the RCC tradition, a child is baptized, the initial sacrament, before comprehending sin. Subsequently, the child undergoes catechism lessons, leading to their first Confession. This process, known as “reconciliation” or “penance,” entails confessing sins to a priest and completing the penance or prayers assigned by the priest. Only after this can a Roman Catholic partake in Communion.
In contrast, the Scriptures state, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” «For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; », (1 Timothy 2:5). We are not instructed to confess our sins to a person for forgiveness but to confess and pray to God. Complete and unconditional forgiveness is found solely through Jesus Christ. Titus 3:5-6, among other passages, emphasizes Jesus as the means of forgiveness, not through religious ceremonies.
The observance of the Lord’s Supper is detailed in 1 Corinthians 11:23-34. Communion is intended for believers in Jesus Christ and should be approached with humility. The Corinthian church had misused this practice, prompting Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to outline the appropriate attitude for this commemoration. It serves as a remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, a one-time event. There is no need for a repeated sacrifice, as seen in the Catholic Mass. Jesus Christ has already died, been buried, and risen from the dead. As we partake in the bread and wine, we commemorate His sacrifice and look forward to His return.
At the Lord’s Table, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” «For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord’s death till he come. », (1 Corinthians 11:26). He is alive today, and we are reminded each time we partake in the Lord’s Table that Jesus is alive and will come again!
Therefore, there is no biblical basis for the human-made traditions of “First Confession” or “First Communion” as practiced by the Roman Catholic Church. However, there is a significant truth that God wants us all to understand—Jesus Christ indeed died on the cross for our sins, and He desires us to come to Him for forgiveness. Furthermore, He desires us to join in the Lord’s Table once we have come to Him and to commemorate His ultimate act of love on the cross at Calvary.
If one comprehends communion correctly, is there anything incorrect or unscriptural about observing a child’s initial communion? No, there isn’t. In reality, a person’s first communion is a beautiful occasion deserving of celebration. When an individual places personal faith in Jesus Christ and then, through communion, honors the Savior by recalling His death and shed blood, it is certainly fitting to acknowledge and celebrate this moment.
